University News

Update from PHPC on COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters and Campus Positivity Rates

On Thursday, the Public Health Promotion Center emailed the campus community with information on COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and encouraging information on the positivity rate for the university.

That email is as follows:  

Dear Campus Community:

In accordance with new updated CDC and Massachusetts Department Public (MADPH) guidance, there are now booster recommendations for all three COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) available in the United States.

Pfizer and Moderna

Individuals in the following groups are eligible to receive a booster shot at least six months after completion of their primary two dose series:

Johnson & Johnson/Janssen

All individuals 18 and older are able to receive a booster shot at least two months after their J&J/Janssen vaccine.

CDC recommendations also allow for mixing and matching of different COVID-19 booster doses. Eligible individuals may choose which booster vaccine they want. Some people may want the type they originally received; others may prefer to get a different booster.

Following the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance, people age 18+ who work or reside in schools are eligible for booster doses 6 months after completion of their Pfizer or Moderna primary series.

Please visit the UMass COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic website to determine if you are eligible and to schedule an appointment by going to the Vaccine Appointment Scheduling page.

Latest COVID-19 Data

 The latest data covering Oct. 20-26 shows 13 new positive cases. The university’s cumulative seven-day positivity rate is 0.27%. The state’s seven-day positivity rate is 1.67%. We continue to be extremely encouraged with the downward trend in the positivity rate and cases. Most cases are of short duration resulting in mild-to-moderate illness. One staff member remains hospitalized. Details about case counts and vaccinations can be found on the university’s COVID-19 Dashboard, which is updated every Thursday.

As a reminder, COVID-19 shots can be given at the same time as your annual flu shot. If you are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose and have not received your annual flu shot yet, you can get them at the same time.  UMass students, faculty and staff, please schedule your flu vaccination appointments through the Campus Health Hub. Flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others against influenza.

Please maintain vigilance in following all public health protocols, including wearing masks indoors and while outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Everyone must continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms every day before coming to campus. If you feel unwell, stay home, and get tested. Testing is free and readily available at the Public Health Promotion Center.

Please remember that the steps you take make an important difference. Continue to care for yourselves and one another.

Sincerely,

Co-Directors of the Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC)

Ann Becker, Public Health Director
Jeffrey Hescock, Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety